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Notes
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A young man, naked but for a red cloak and an animal skin, is seated on a rock in the foreground, playing a pipe. This is Apollo, Greek god of the sun and of music and art, dressed as a shepherd. As a punishment for killing the Cyclops, Jupiter sent him to be herdsman to Admetus, king of Pherae in Thessaly. Apollo, distracted from his duties by his music, failed to notice Mercury stealing the king’s cattle, shown in the background. This is one of ten frescoes by Domenichino and assistants which once decorated a magnificent garden pavilion at the Villa Aldobrandini, in Frascati near Rome. Although Domenichino designed the overall programme, much of the actual painting was left to assistants, especially on the right-hand side of the room, since by the time work got this far he was busy with other projects.
Title
Mercury stealing the Herds of Admetus guarded by Apollo
Date
1616-18
Medium
Fresco, transferred to canvas and mounted on board
Measurements
H 261.6 x W 201.9 cm
Accession number
NG6291
Acquisition method
Bought, 1958
Work type
Painting
